Kiwibank New Zealander
of the Year Awards
The Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards celebrate those people who use their passion for New Zealand to make our country a better place. They’re made possible by a community of partners who believe in backing the best of us – and who show up year after year to help celebrate the people shaping Aotearoa. We’re proud to stand alongside organisations that see the value in recognition, the power of storytelling, and the importance of honouring those who lead with heart, action, and impact.
Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year
Our most prestigious honour. This award celebrates a New Zealander whose leadership is driving progress for Aotearoa – someone whose actions earn the trust of communities and inspire a sense of possibility across the motu. Their impact is lasting and profound.
Nominees of this Award must:
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- Be an individual that – through their achievements – has made an outstanding contribution to our country.
- Have had significant impact on Aotearoa, particularly over the last 12 months.
- Be a role model for New Zealanders.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Young New Zealander of the Year
Recognising young leaders aged 15 to 30 whose ideas, energy, and commitment are transforming Aotearoa. These are the rangatahi challenging the status quo, lifting up others, and laying the groundwork for a more connected, inclusive, and ambitious future.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be aged between 15-30 years, at the open of nominations in July.
- Have had significant positive impact over the past 12 months.
- Be a role model for young New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year
This award honours New Zealanders aged 70+ who continue to shape Aotearoa through wisdom, action, and care. Far from winding down, they are still building legacies – using their experience to lead, serve, and make lasting impact.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be over the age of 70, at the open of nominations in July.
- Have had significant impact in their senior years.
- Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
New Zealand Innovator of the Year
For those turning bold ideas into real-world impact. These innovators lead with courage and creativity, pushing boundaries in science, tech, culture or social change. Their mahi moves Aotearoa forward – and opens doors for those coming next.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be an individual who conceptualised and developed an innovation involving a product, service, technology, idea/theory or process across any industry sector including (but not limited to) health, science, technology, robotics, business, education, environmental, sustainability, agriculture, disadvantaged communities, and non-profits.
- Have had significant impact over the last 12 months.
- Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight a brighter future for New Zealanders.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year
Recognising communities achieving powerful collective impact. Through connection, resilience and shared purpose, these groups are proving that change is possible when people come together to do good.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be more than one person (duo, group, community or organisation) who has made – or is making – a significant contribution to their region, town, suburb, community (be it geographical, or interest specific), iwi, or local group. In any sector including (but not limited to) business, leadership, culture, voluntary work, disaster relief, environmental work, health, education, sporting clubs, or working with the disadvantaged.
- Have had significant impact over the last 12 months.
- Be role models for New Zealanders and highlight collective action toward positive change.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year
This award acknowledges those whose actions have had a significant and lasting impact in their communities. These quiet champions don’t wait for change – they create it. With conviction, care, and follow-through, our Local Hero recipients reflect the Aotearoa we all want to live in.
Nominees of this Award must:
- Be an individual who has made (or is making) a significant contribution to their region, town, suburb, community (be it geographical community, or community of specific interest), iwi, or local group.
- Have had significant impact over the last 12 months.
- Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight selflessness for their community.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year
Celebrating those restoring and protecting the natural world. These leaders are creating a more sustainable Aotearoa through action, innovation, and deep commitment to the environment – forging a future that honours both people and planet.
Nominees for this Award must:
- Demonstrate tangible actions, with proven impact, towards global sustainability goals focused on environment – including (but not limited to) climate change, air and water pollution, water scarcity, food insecurity, deforestation, rising sea levels, loss of species and habitat biodiversity, or loss of indigenous environmental knowledge and traditions.
- Show significant impact within the past year.
- Serve as role models fellow New Zealanders (and beyond) – inspiring a sustainable and thriving future for Aotearoa.
- Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.
